Children at Warsaw kindergarten get taste of Chinese culture

More than 30 preschoolers at a Warsaw kindergarten had their first contacts with the Chinese culture on Friday, as the kindergarten staged "Chinese Day" activities with assistance from the Chinese embassy.

The children, aged between 3 and 7, were from the 16th Warsaw kindergarten -- "Zaczarowany Zakatek" (an enchanted corner).

Children listened to the story of "Nian" (year in Chinese), and the origins of the Lunar Chinese New Year traditions recounted vividly by Chinese embassy staff. They also enjoyed a cartoon over the Chinese New Year.

Following it was games and contest checking on the newly acquired China-themed knowledge. The kids strived to outdo each other and joyfully shouted the answers to questions. The whole classroom was full of laughter and enthusiasm.

The "Chinese Day" event was organized after Beata Mizerska, headmaster of the kindergarten, wrote a letter to the Chinese Embassy in Warsaw.

"We would like to bring the Chinese culture closer to our kids, allow them get to know the life of foreign kids from faraway, therefore help them arouse interest in the other cultures," Mizerska wrote.

"We really care for introducing the immense cultural wealth and heritage of China to our children," Mizerska said.

The embassy actively responded to the initiative and helped organize the activities, saying that it was significant to help grow interest and understanding in foreign cultures since childhood. Endit